Breathe (The Destiny Series: Book 1) by Christine Grey Read Free Book Online

knew precisely who it meant, and that no further explanation was required, even for a simpleton such as himself. No one spoke to the weapons master in that way, that is, no one who wanted to remain standing for long. But as Daniel was not a hasty man, he kept his control. The fact there was no one to actually knock down in his dream was a detail he chose to ignore, and as the voice so emphatically stated, he did, in his heart, know who it meant when it spoke of the girl child.
    It could only be Dearra.
    Dearra had been special from the moment of her birth, her eyes proclaiming she was someone to be watched. As she grew, she excelled with the blade, and though Daniel would never tell her so, she exceeded even his skill with the sword. He let her believe her victories were those won from a benevolent teacher eager to encourage his pupil. She still had much to learn, though, and she never tired of practicing. She listened eagerly to every word Daniel spoke, and looked upon her father as a god to be obeyed and emulated in all things. She had pride in her accomplishments, but was never conceited, or considered herself above her peers. She knew where her faults lay, and she worked diligently to overcome them. Her skill with a shield was sadly lacking, though, and because she preferred the freedom of the swinging sword, she often neglected the practice needed to properly protect herself. Above all, her temper was the bane of her existence. If she could rein that in, it seemed to him, there would be no finer warrior. Her temper clouded her judgment, making her act too quickly, and without proper thought and planning. In spite of these traits, and maybe partially because of them, Dearra was special.
    Well, foolish man, the voice spoke scathingly, I’ve gone to her myself. Unfortunately, it seems she isn’t much brighter than you. Oh, how I suffer at the hands of you mortals.
    Daniel didn’t much care for the tone the voice used to address him, but he bit his tongue as best he could. I believe I know what you want. You wish me to give the Sword of Cyrus to Dearra.
    Well, praise be to Tolah! I knew you would get it! I told myself to be patient with you, and you would eventually get it! Fortunately, I had the foresight to keep at it!
    The voice sounded so sincere in its praise of itself and confident that it had been the sole reason for its own success, Daniel’s eyes rolled behind his closed lids. Unable to help himself, he let out a soft chuckle in his sleep. 
    Why her? Daniel asked, serious now.
    That is none of your concern, little man. I have already lowered myself by speaking with you, even if only in a dream. I will not debase myself further by explaining myself to you.
    Then my answer must be no, Daniel said calmly.
    What? The voice sounded more stunned than angry, as if it were unable to comprehend his statement. Now that its wishes were known and understood, how could they be refused? It simply made no sense. It was…impossible.
    What’s not to understand? My response was plainly stated, and no further explanation is required, even for a simpleton such as yourself, Daniel said, mimicking the voice’s earlier words to him. 
    For a moment, the voice could only sputter and stammer in startled rage. How dare this puny little man deny it what it wanted? But I…But you…Impossible!
    Peace! Daniel bellowed, and the voice paused in its sputtering. I will not endanger Dearra. If you will not tell me the purpose for which the sword is to be given, then I must, for her sake, assume you wish to do her harm. I may be wrong in this assumption, but it is a chance I will not take. She is more precious to me than even my own life, and to risk her safety on the mad ravings of a dream voice would be the very height of foolishness. On this point, I will not yield.
    The voice was silent while it took in what Daniel had said, and when it spoke again, it was resigned. Daniel fancied he’d detected just the faintest hint of humility in its